What size to buy?
Just like all your normal clothes sizes will vary from brand to brand, but I've found using their size charts usually gets you to the right size. I recommend going to the stores that actually carry the product and trying it on, even if you end up buying it for a better price online or finding the same stuff at an outlet or discount store. Motherhood Maternity even has these pillows you can strap around your belly so you can visualize how it will look when your tummy starts to pop. Aaron and I got a kick out of that! Also, I definitely needed a bigger size the last month.
Where to shop?
If you are open to used clothes, bum them off your friends, visit kids/baby consignment stores, and check out events like this one: JBF.
For new clothes this is what I've found...
Burlington Coat Factory: Discovered this post-pregnancy and was quite surprised at how much of a selection they had. Definitely will check it out if I'm ever in the market for more clothes.
Macy's: Some have a small section where they carry Motherhood Maternity clothes. Most of the store coupons don't apply to this section for some reason, but I have found some great buys on the clearance rack. $12ish jeans!! But if you can find stuff around $20 you're not doing too bad.
Old Navy: Have a pretty good selection of basics online, and you can search to see which stores carry maternity items. Sign up to have their emails sent to you so you know when they have sales online. I want to say they have a pretty good sale sometime in November. I've gotten mostly tops from them and the XS or S fit. Just you basic solid colored shirts and a couple sweaters or sweater dresses. They also have pretty good choices for nursing tops. I got one similar to this,
but without the cutout above my engorged boobies. It was in the maternity, not nursing section, but was definitely was too short to wear in later pregnancy, but had some elastic around the collar so it could be pulled down for nursing post pregnancy. I was not a fan of their basic nursing tanks because they were ridiculous to latch and unlatch... maybe they've fixed this problem? The other nursing tanks that had the wider straps and the crisscross v-neck front were nice though. I did find a cute nursing tank, that had a cowl neck front and a built in shelf bra that you could pull up to help baby quickly and quietly get to the goods. Can return some stuff bought online at the store - it's usually labeled in your check out basket if you have to mail it back.
Gap: I got a couple shirts from them online, and they seemed to run a little larger compared to the OLD Navy ones. If you are getting stuff from Old Navy check their website because they let you use one shopping cart, which is great of you are shopping when you have to spend a certain amount to get free shipping. I got this nursing top and it was definitely on the big, and not very flattering side. May have been better when I had a bump. Glad I found it on clearance for like $9, and not the $35 they have it for now.
Sears: I would have never thought to look here, but they have a small section that often has deals like buy one get one free. I have several solid color t-shirts, some work type pants and tops. They all seemed to hold up pretty well. Size small was what worked for me. Sale prices on short sleeve t's were like $6-7, long sleeve was $8-15, and more work type ones were $15-25. Pants and jeans were $15-35 on sale.
Target: I liked their jeans. They also come in number sizes! Just pick your usual size, but the big bonus is most stores carry these so you actually get to try them on to decide. They also have the belly bands that you can wear with your regular pants. Both the jeans and belly bands are made of a polyester fabric that I found more comfy than the cotton ones I got on etsy. When you sign up for a baby registry there are coupons they give you and some of them are for the maternity clothes. So you may want to sign up before you buy, even if you are not ready to register for items. The nursing bra and tank selection is pretty good here too. I would stay away from bras with under-wire though. It really cuts in to you, especially when the fullness of you breasts is constantly fluctuating. They had some sleep ones that had a racer back, they were comfy, except the top of the racer back went up really high (like past the big bone at the base of your neck.) I was a fan of this bra (for non-working days) Bravado , but they had a basic version that cost less that I'm not seeing on their website right now. This one also worked wireless bra. Side note last year in January, right around MLK day they had a huge baby item clearance. Stores here had strollers, baby swings, sheets, clothes, etc. for 70% off. It wasn't everything, but still some good choices. Aaron and I picked up this stroller for quick trips and traveling First Years Ignite for $21. We chose it because the handles go up higher than some umbrella strollers, so you don't have to hunch over to push it (good for taller people like you guys), and it wasn't $100+ like the Maclaren strollers. But you can always check for those on Craigslist. My friend scored one for $20 at her neighbor's garage sale. Can return stuff bought online at the store.
Kohl's: I had some good finds here, especially for pants. Their stuff is Motherhood brand I believe. They have sales and extra coupons you can use often. Usually by the baby stuff. Also, once baby is her they have killer deals on baby clothes. Like $10 off a $30 purchase + an additional 20% off. Sometimes even two $10 off coupons stack. I haven't bough anything from them online so I can't speak to that.
Motherhood Maternity: They have it all in one place. However, it tends to be a little pricier, but still not outright crazy. Great place to find what you like, then keep in mind as you check out other places. Most of the other stores mentioned carry Motherhood items, so shop around.
Zulily.com: Carries all kinds of baby, maternity and mommy stuff. Only downside is because it's a flash sale kind of setup there are usually no returns. If you buy an item, you get free shipping on your other purchases that day, or sometimes weekend. Keep them in mind for postpartum support wear too (for your midsection).
Bamboobies: My absolute favorite nursing pads. They come in two absorbencies and are machine washable. I think I ended up with a stash of about 5-6 of the overnight pairs and 9-10 of the day time pairs. They often have free sample weeks. You do pay $3 for the shipping on these, but they are worth it! Bamboobies
What do I need?
Depending on what your work dress code is I would say 1 pair of work pants for each work day, and 3 pairs of jeans (unless you are a big legging fan - you could get by with less). At least 7 tops, but keep in mind they don't necessarily have to be maternity - just long enough to keep the belly covered. You probably already own stuff that works. If you wear a lot of dresses these numbers could go down even more. A couple belly bands which will work double duty - letting you wear normal pants longer, good for postpartum, and also for covering the belly if your maternity shirts get too short in the last few weeks of pregnancy. Keep in mind how often you want to do laundry. As far as a coat. I never got one. Mine still fit well enough, and when I was really big I didn't zip/button them up because the pregnancy hormones were keeping me plenty warm. If you plan to be outside for extended periods of time (like have season tickets for football) then maybe get one.
Pant types: Check out his link for pant types. Pant Types They are the same across brands, but they might be called different things. I preferred the secret fit belly (once you have a belly) and the underbelly/early&after belly for early on and when you are not back in your non-pregnancy clothes yet.
Another post on what baby gear ended up being our must haves and flops to come soon!
